Cool Weather Slows Minnesota Fishing License Sales

Fishing license sales are down by about a third.

Jenifer Wical of the DNR's Fish and Wildlife Division says around 250,000 to 300,000 fishing licenses usually are sold by this time. But she says just under 200,000 have been sold so far.

The DNR has several new license options available this year. Anglers who want to fish only for a weekend can buy a 72-hour license for $12, which is less than half the cost of a full season license.

DNR officials expect license sales will pick up after all of the ice melts off of northern Minnesota lakes.